IRS Apologizes for Targeting Conservative Groups

The Internal Revenue Service has apologized for targeting conservative political groups for additional reviews in last year’s election.

Groups with the words “tea party” or “patriot” in their applications for tax-exempt status were reportedly singled out for additional reviews, according to the Associated Press.

Lois Lerner, the person in charge of the IRS unit that oversees tax-exempt groups, said the practice was carried out by low-level workers in Cincinnati and was wrong. Lerner apologized for the actions.

Conservative groups had complained of IRS harassment during the 2012 election.

The apology is not enough for some officeholders, including Texas U.S. Senator John Cornyn.

“Today’s revelation that the IRS targeted average Americans using taxpayer dollars solely for disagreeing with them politically is completely unacceptable from this Administration,” Cornyn said.

He continued, saying “Partisan politics have consistently characterized this White House, and the Administration must take immediate disciplinary action and ensure American citizens are not subject to this type of Orwellian persecution again.”